As the weather begins to cool here in the NY tri-state area, I am beginning to plan for those longer periods of time where I won't be riding and the bike will be taken out less frequently. With that I'm looking into motorcycle dolly's and such. I see that Wunderlich has one but is upwards of $200. I'm planning for my wife's 650GS as well as my R12R. Surely all you folks must have devised some clever solution for less than $400.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Motorcycle Storage
Moderator: Moderators
How does $79.00 sound (on sale) ????
From Harbor Freight Tools.
LOW PROFILE MOTORCYCLE DOLLY:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=95896
This dolly sits just 1-3/4'' off the ground to prevent tipping and allow easy one person loading.
1250 lb. weight capacity
Powder coated to resist rust
Three position adjustable kick stand plate
Smooth rolling swivel casters
Overall dimensions: 83"L x 30.5"W x 3.75"H; Weight: 64.2 lbs
From Harbor Freight Tools.
LOW PROFILE MOTORCYCLE DOLLY:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=95896
This dolly sits just 1-3/4'' off the ground to prevent tipping and allow easy one person loading.
1250 lb. weight capacity
Powder coated to resist rust
Three position adjustable kick stand plate
Smooth rolling swivel casters
Overall dimensions: 83"L x 30.5"W x 3.75"H; Weight: 64.2 lbs
Eric
05 ST1300
07 R1200R
05 ST1300
07 R1200R
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MikeCam
- Centurion Moderator!
- Posts: 2216
- Joined: Sat Mar 19, 2005 8:05 pm
- Location: Conway River, Virginia
The fundamentals of longer term storage for a bike are simple: good rubber, good fluids, good battery.
Keep the tires properly inflated the entire off-season and do not leave them in contact with cold concrete floors - centerstand w/ wood or old carpet under the rubber works.
Consider changing the oil, trans, and FD fluids based on the current age and usage and how close you are to the next service (will it get a service in the spring, for instance). Fresh fluids for cold storage have less likelihood of acidic elements separating out and settling.
Insure the battery is fully charged and keep it fully charged (Battery Tender or similar with a float cycle - once per month minimum for 72 hours).
Keep all dust, debris and critters away - use a cover or an old sheet.
If you need to move it once in a while during the off-season, then it is a simple matter and good for the wheels to roll around a bit. A dolly, in my view, is a very nice to have extra but hardly needed.
Keep the tires properly inflated the entire off-season and do not leave them in contact with cold concrete floors - centerstand w/ wood or old carpet under the rubber works.
Consider changing the oil, trans, and FD fluids based on the current age and usage and how close you are to the next service (will it get a service in the spring, for instance). Fresh fluids for cold storage have less likelihood of acidic elements separating out and settling.
Insure the battery is fully charged and keep it fully charged (Battery Tender or similar with a float cycle - once per month minimum for 72 hours).
Keep all dust, debris and critters away - use a cover or an old sheet.
If you need to move it once in a while during the off-season, then it is a simple matter and good for the wheels to roll around a bit. A dolly, in my view, is a very nice to have extra but hardly needed.
The Older I Get, The Less I Know.
MikeCam - that will do it. Thanks for the post. I'll keep that in my favorites to order when the time is right.
poochar - I agree with you. However I'm not tareting long term storage. Just extending the time between rides as we enter the winter here. I fully plan (as I have done for years) to take full advantage of any clear day that is 50 degrees and over. Most importantly is the fact that my garage is tight and I have the two bikes.
Thank you both for the details. Very helpful.
poochar - I agree with you. However I'm not tareting long term storage. Just extending the time between rides as we enter the winter here. I fully plan (as I have done for years) to take full advantage of any clear day that is 50 degrees and over. Most importantly is the fact that my garage is tight and I have the two bikes.
Thank you both for the details. Very helpful.
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mcooperstein
- Moderator
- Posts: 390
- Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2005 6:01 am
- Location: Big Stone Gap, Virginia
That motorcycle dolly looks very cool, but, I have a stoopid question..what purpose does it serve? Is it supposed to facillitate being able to move the bike easily on it's casters? I'm very confused! Also, it appears that you couldn't put your bike on the center stand with that dolly, am I right?
btw - here is a picture of my outdoor bike storage system. I have a garage, sans doors at my house, so my bike is exposed to cold weather, although it is protected from rain/snow. I got this outdoor bike-capsule from eBay for a little more then $100. Hopefully, it will help. (ps - the picture also shows a capsule storage for, I dunno..a boat?)
Mark
btw - here is a picture of my outdoor bike storage system. I have a garage, sans doors at my house, so my bike is exposed to cold weather, although it is protected from rain/snow. I got this outdoor bike-capsule from eBay for a little more then $100. Hopefully, it will help. (ps - the picture also shows a capsule storage for, I dunno..a boat?)
Mark